According to a report by FIFA’s official website on Sunday, June 28, 2026, South Africa’s impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup journey came to an end after a painful 1-0 defeat to Canada in the Round of 32. The match looked set to head into extra time before Stephen Eustaquio produced a late moment of quality to send the Canadians through.
Bafana Bafana started the game with confidence and almost took an early lead when Teboho Mokoena tested Maxime Crépeau from long range in the sixth minute. Canada responded by creating several chances of their own, but Ronwen Williams stood firm with a series of excellent saves to keep the score level. He denied Derek Cornelius, Tani Oluwaseyi, and Tajon Buchanan during an entertaining first half.
The second half followed a similar pattern as both teams searched for the breakthrough. Oswin Appollis came close twice for South Africa with powerful efforts from outside the box, while Canada continued to threaten through Jonathan David and Oluwaseyi. Williams once again proved why he is one of Africa’s best goalkeepers by making another brilliant save to stop Jonathan David after a dangerous attack.
Canada introduced Alphonso Davies midway through the second half, and his pace immediately stretched the South African defence. Although Bafana Bafana continued to fight until the closing stages, they struggled to create a clear scoring chance against Canada’s organized back line.
The decisive moment finally arrived in the second minute of added time when Stephen Eustaquio collected the ball outside the penalty area and fired a low shot into the bottom corner beyond Williams. South Africa pushed forward in the remaining minutes but could not find an equaliser before the final whistle.
The result brings South Africa’s memorable World Cup campaign to an end as Bafana Bafana crash out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Canada, on the other hand, have moved to the last 16 with confidence after keeping a clean sheet and scoring a dramatic late winner.
Related video
